Desi:

D I plan to remove the carpet in the townhouse I just bought. But don't
D know how.
D The first floor has concrete floor and second floor has hardwood
D floor. A friend is ready to help me do this job. I need to do it
D before my Laminate floor arrives at my place.
D
D Can you give me tips on how to do it? (I am a first time buyer and
D have absolutely no experience in DIY kind of jobs)
D How long will it take to ripoff and cut it into 4' width? (area is
D about 1700 sq ft)
D What instruments do I need?
D Any precaution to be taken?
D Or is it worth paying the installers to do this job?

Sharp utility or preferably carpet knife. Might be easier to cut the
carpet in 4- or 5' strips while it is flat (in position) than later.

Twine -- to secure the rolled-up carpet strips. (Duct tape tends to
loosen -- probably because bought cheap duct tape.)

Leather gloves -- the backing can be a 'sharp'.

Sweep up the under-carpet debris (someone else mentioned the dirt that
gets through). When done vacuum, preferably with a (small) shop vac.
If using your regular vacuum turn the beater bar off (straight
suction); replace filter bag frequently.

For the pad that sticks to the flooring you can use an ice scraper to
get started, then a 2" putty knife to get the residue. (I generally
skipped the ice scraper -- missed too much.) A gardening pad will
save your knees.

Use a small crow bar to pry up the carpet strips. Warning: the nails
sticking up are SHARP!! A 6 or 8 inch one is sufficient. Rather than
picking up by hand (ouch!) might consider a pair of pliers.

Good music for distraction (it's kind of a boring job!) and since you
have a friend helping beverage of choice and a pizza or crockpot (slow
cooker) meal.

-
¯ barry.martinþATþthesafebbs.zeppole.com ®

* Oklahoma motto: Rather Sooner than Later.
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"barry martin" wrote in message
news:2068845265.0319.95.6286040.1091766814.RIMEGat ...
Desi:

(good tips snipped)

I'll add- if you or your helper is subject to allergies, wear a dust mask
and have running water and a stack of old towels available to wipe off face
and arms as needed, and plan on showering and changing immediately
afterward. Wash the dirty clothes and towels seperately in hot water. If
allergy-prone people will be in house after, damp-mop and wipe down all
horizontal surfaces, after vacuming, and run an exhaust fan in window for a
few hours. For allergy people, the stuff that grows under a carpet should be
treated as hazmat.

Been there, done that, damn near died after. If I ever get rich enough to
build a house, it'll be hardwood and tile throughout. No rugs too big to
throw in a washer.

aem sends....